The first Mass of the Santo Nino festival in the Philippine city of Cebu attended by hundreds of churchgoers while observing physical distancing on Jan. 8. (Photo: Cebu Archdiocese)
By Joseph Peter Calleja
Jan 12 2021
This year’s celebrations will be limited due to event cancellations and protocols brought about by Covid-19
Cebu Archdiocese in the central Philippines kicked off festivities on Jan. 8 to honor the Child Jesus, or Santo Nino de Cebu, while following strict Covid-19 pandemic protocols.
The Philippines’ oldest festival, which attracts millions of devotees each year, culminates with the feast of Santo Nino on the third Sunday of January.
This year a cloud has been cast over the festival due to the coronavirus pandemic
The archdiocese had insisted on certain requirements being observed before churchgoers are allowed to enter church premises to participate in religious activities and also called on devotees to also follow activities online.
“To all pilgrims and devotees, please be reminded to obey and follow our safety and health protocols … in this time of pandemic,” Cebu Archdiocese announced on social media.
Churchgoers were asked to present a “quarantine pass” issued by local health centers as proof they were free from coronavirus. Those who do not present one will be denied entry to churches.
“Strict security was implemented in order to ensure the safety of devotees attending the first Mass,” the archdiocese said.
The first Mass, kicking off the festival, was held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Organizers have also called on churchgoers to maintain social distancing protocols.
Archdiocese officials canceled the traditional touching of an image of the Child Jesus.
The image was a gift by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of a local chieftain when he landed on Mactan Island near Cebu in 1521.
It is considered the oldest Spanish relic in the Philippines and draws millions of devotees to Cebu over the course of each year.
To observe social distancing, schoolteachers sent a video for the Mass by waving greetings to the Child Jesus.
“The pandemic will never stop us from our devotion to our beloved Child Jesus,” they said in their video.
Father Mhar Balili of Cebu Archdiocese said devotees accepted the guidelines and understood why the cancellation of some activities had to be made.
“They have been very cooperative. They understood why we needed to cancel certain activities like the walk for Mary and Jesus, fluvial procession and the Sinulog street dance,” Father Balili told UCA News.
“With Covid-19, many things have stopped. But the virus will never stop us from practicing our faith and devotion to the Santo Nino.” – UCANews
